HMGA1-pseudogene overexpression contributes to cancer progression

Two pseudogenes for HMGA1, whose overexpression has a critical role in cancer progression, have been identified. They act as decoy for miRNAs that are able to target the HMGA1 gene then enhancing cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, these pseudogenes contain sequences that are potential target sites for cancer-related miRNAs. Interestingly, HMGA1 pseudogenes are highly expressed in human anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, that is one of the most aggressive tumor in mankind, but almost undetectable in well differentiated thyroid carcinomas.